The Corporation of London has confirmed today that it will commence a judicial review of the decision of the Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA) to allow face-to-face trading of meat and fish at Nine Elms.
Defra has been informed of the intention to challenge the granting of leases to Covent Garden tenants, which become effective on September 21.
The CGMA decision follows Lord Whitty's decision to grant consent for such leases to be issued. The Corporation's challenge is based on the power ñ or lack of it ñ of the secretary state to give such consent.
Daniel Caspi, chairman of the Corporation's markets committee, said: “As a market authority we have a duty to defend the rights of all our tenants at Billingsgate, Smithfield and Spitalfields markets. We also seek, through judicial review, to guard both our investment into these markets and those made by the tenants. And most importantly, we have a responsibility for the livelihoods of the many workers at these markets.
“It is regrettable that this judicial review has to take place, which will delay further dialogue about the future of London wholesale markets. Our position remains unchanged and we remain open to all discussions. However, we would have been guilty of neglecting our duties and responsibilities if this action [by the CGMA] had gone unchecked.”
New Spitalfields tenants' chairman John Olney called for a level playing field last month. He told the freshinfo: “The statement says it all. The Corporation is acting on behalf of the tenants at all threee markets and I am very pleased that my words have been taken on board and, more importantly, acted upon.”
Tenants association secretary Jim Heppel added: “It is unfortunate that the concept of creating composite markets in London, which is brilliant, will now be delayed by a judicial review. The future has been put on hold.”
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